Durham native Ricky Foley inspires students

Grey Cup makes its way around Durham on Dec. 12

Ricky Foley takes Grey Cup to former school

Ricky Foley, a defensive end with the Grey Cup-winning Toronto Argonauts, brought the trophy to his former school, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, on December 12. The Courtice native spoke to the students, posed for pictures and signed autographs.

OSHAWA -- Now is the time for students to make sacrifices and concentrate on their goals, says the 2012 Grey Cup's Most Outstanding Canadian and Durham native.

"All that partying, all those distractions, they'll be there when you're older," Toronto Argonauts defensive end Ricky Foley told students at his former high school, Monsignor Paul Dwyer CHS, on his day with the Grey Cup.

Mr. Foley also stopped by M.J. Hobbs Senior PS in Clarington and Bellwood PS in Whitby following the Argos' win over the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th Grey Cup.

Not only was he part of the winning squad, but Mr. Foley played a big role, earning the award for top Canadian player in the game. As a teen, Mr. Foley knew he wanted to become a professional football player, so he transferred to Paul Dwyer for his final two years of high school because it had a team.

All that partying, all those distractions, they'll

But when he started at the Oshawa school, teachers canceled extracurricular activities as part of work-to-rule action in the midst of a contract dispute -- similar to what's going on in public boards across the province today.

"He never forgot about the goal of playing professional football," said his former track coach, Kevin Dillon.

Despite the labour strife, Mr. Dillon set up a track team on his own accord so the athletes could keep up their skills. Although Mr. Foley really wanted to play football, he took up the opportunity, and was grateful for it.

"For a kid like me, if I didn't have sports when I was here, I don't think I would have ever graduated high school," he said to the crowd of students who came out to meet him and see the cup.

Mr. Dillon explained the driven Mr. Foley eventually made it onto the York University football team, having never played a real game of football in his life.

"He was tough as nails," he said.

After success at York, Mr. Foley started his professional career with the B.C. Lions in 2006 and joined the Argos in 2010.

Mr. Foley acknowledged that extracurricular activities and sports in public schools are cancelled at the moment, and suggested athletes find other ways to stick with their goals, much like he did with running.

His parents came along to Paul Dwyer, and his mother said Mr. Dillon's work with her son played a big part in making him the athlete he is today.

"I didn't cry after the Grey Cup, I didn't cry after the parade, but I cried today," said Ginny Foley.

Paul Dwyer's current players took lessons from what the hometown hero had to say.

"I've got the dream too but I'm a little bit shorter," said Bryce MacDonald, a senior Paul Dwyer football player.

He plans to stick to his dream despite any obstacles.

"I found it to be very profound," said Bryce's teammate, Reshaan Davis.

Kristen Calis covers Pickering and writes a pet column for the Metroland Media Group’s Durham Region Division. Anyone with upcoming animal charity events that they would like listed in Kristen’s Kritters can e-mail kcalis@durhamregion.com.